SHAWN DIGIANFELICE

Sports Writer

Shelbyville closed the regular season with an impressive win over Central Magnet, then carried that momentum into the District 6-AAAA Tournament with an explosive opening-round victory over Cookeville. The Eaglettes ran into a tough test against Lincoln County in the next round, falling and leaving their postseason hopes hanging in the balance. Shelbyville showcased its offensive firepower in the opener but couldn’t sustain that momentum, setting up a must-win situation as the tournament continued.

Shelbyville Central – 10, Central Magnet – 3

Shelbyville wasted little time taking control in their final regular season matchup on Tuesday, riding a big early surge and a dominant outing from Tenley West to a 10-3 win over Central Magnet.

The Eaglettes put the game in motion with a three-run second inning, then kept the pressure on with multi-run frames in the third and fourth to build a commanding lead they never surrendered.

Shelbyville finished with 12 hits and consistently produced up and down the lineup. Ja’mya Anderson powered the offense with a monster night, going 4-for-4 with two RBIs and a home run. Janiya Leslie added another big performance, collecting two hits—including a pair of triples—driving in two runs and scoring twice. The Eaglettes saw production throughout the order. Maci Lovvorn added two hits and an RBI, while Jeheili Palacios Acuna delivered a home run and drove in two. Sydney Moore and Sequoyah Young each contributed hits, and Kenley Patton sparked the lineup with two runs scored and a double. In the circle,

Tenley West delivered a strong, steady performance. The right-hander allowed just four hits and three runs (two earned) while striking out nine, in a complete game effort.

Shelbyville Central – 16, Cookeville – 5

Shelbyville wasted no time taking control Thursday, erupting for six runs in the first inning and never looking back in a 16-5 win over Cookeville in the opening round of the District 6-AAAA tournament.

The Eaglettes piled up 17 hits and kept the pressure on throughout, adding three runs in the second and continuing to create separation as the game wore on.

Janiya Leslie led the charge at the plate, going 3-for-5 with a home run, three RBIs, and two runs scored. Jeheili Palacios Acuna added two hits, including a homer, and drove in two while scoring twice. Kenley Patton turned in a standout performance, finishing 4-for-4 with three runs scored and three RBIs, while Ja’mya Anderson collected three hits of her own. Laila Lauderdale and Sequoyah Young each drove in two runs as Shelbyville’s lineup produced up and down the order. In the circle,

Rileah Crutcher got the start and worked an inning, allowing three runs (none earned). Tenley West took over in relief and settled things down, tossing five innings while allowing just two runs (also unearned) on five hits with two strikeouts.

Lincoln County – 10, Shelbyville Central – 0

Shelbyville couldn’t find an answer at the plate Friday night, falling 10-0 on the road to Lincoln County in the second round of the District 6-AAAA Tournament. 

Lincoln County set the tone early, scoring in every inning and pulling away with multiple-run frames in the second and fourth to build a commanding lead.

The lone hit for Shelbyville came off the bat of Kenley Patton.

In the circle, Rileah Crutcher worked four innings, allowing 11 hits and 10 runs (three earned) while striking out one. Defensive miscues proved costly, with four errors contributing to Lincoln County’s big innings.

Shelbyville (7-21) returns to action Tuesday, traveling to Coffee County with its season on the line. First pitch is set for 6:00 P.M.